A new 2026 Toyota RAV4 based ute is edging closer to reality to battle Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz: report

A game-changing ute from Toyota might be back on the cards, according to the latest reports out of the United States. 

The ute rumoured to be in the works is based on the best-selling RAV4 small SUV, putting it up against the hugely popular Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz in the US. 

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A lifestyle concept ute was unveiled from the brand in 2023, which was said to be hybrid-powered. 

The most recent news indicated it remains a while away from entering production, with the brand waiting for the right moment to strike in the segment. 

Timing has been a key theme from executive comments on the ute, with other global factors such as trade deals and tariffs also impacting its viability. 

It now appears the right time might be approaching, as Toyota’s North American Chief Executive Officer Tetsuo Ogawa provided more details on the ute. 

This included the RAV4 forming the basis for it. 

“But for the compact truck? Definitely, we have such demand,” Ogawa said in an interview with Auto News. 

“A RAV4-based pickup is an opportunity for us, and the dealers are waiting. 

“Maybe they say we need today or tomorrow, but it takes time.”

This latest update confirms the ute is on the radar and even potentially in development, but it looks to still be several years away from becoming official. 

It also confirms the ute would be built on the RAV4’s monocoque chassis, differing from other Toyota utes such as the HiLux built on a ladder frame. 

It remains too far away to ponder an Australian future for it. Expect it to be primarily built in left-hand drive given North America is the target market at this stage.